The operation of all harbors and seaports within the state and the improvements and facilities hereby authorized shall be conducted in the name of the Alabama State Port Authority. In such operation, the port authority may contract such current indebtedness as is necessarily incident to the prosecution of the work in accordance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable statutes. The port authority may adopt rules not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter for the purpose of regulating, controlling and conducting the said operation.
Ala. Code § 33-1-24 (1975)